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NBA Playoffs — Lost opportunities doom Blazers against Warriors (PHOTOS)

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PhilBoxing

https://m.philboxing.com/news/story-144424.html

By Ryan Gallardo

PHOTOS by Ponciano Melo Jr.

PORTLAND — On paper, the 2019 Western Conference Finals appears to be a notably one-sided battle dominated by the reigning and two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors, who are on the verge of sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers.

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Although the Warriors have outscored the Blazers by a total of 340-304 through three games, or by an average of 12 points per, this best-of seven set is really much closer than you think. In fact, this could have been 2-1 in favor of Portland by now.

Unfortunately, the Blazers couldn\’t protect the solid,double-digit leads they painstakingly built in their last two defeats.

In Game 2, they were up 65-50 at halftime. And even though the Warriors fought back ferociously, Portland still had 108-100 cushion with only 4:08 to go in the fourth quarter. The Warriors then went on a devastating 14-3 spurt the rest of the way to claim Game 2, 114-111.

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In today\’s Game 3, the Blazers jumped on the Warriors early, and when Seth Curry made a deep 27-foot 3, their lead ballooned to 60-42 with only 2:28 left before the half. Again, the Blazers failed to capitalize and watched their lead completely evaporate when the Warriors went on a 29-13 third quarter run which left Portland behind by three, 82-79, entering the fourth quarter.

Even in the Game 1 blowout, the Blazers were in it and trailed by just six points — 77-71 — at the end of three quarters before the Warriors would eventually pull away with a blistering 39-point fourth quarter.

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Under head coach Terry Stotts and with the leadership of two All-Stars in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, the Blazers have proven that they can compete with powerhouse Golden State. What they haven\’t shown, unfortunately, is the ability to protect a lead and use it as an impetus to win a game.

\”They stay calm and they don\’t really get rattled,\” Portland center Zach Collins told The Oregonian about those resilient Warriors, who have taken Portland\’s best punch so far and have somehow remained standing at 3-0 and one game away from a fifth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals.

The Warriors have embodied grace under pressure and courage under fire. And that\’s why they are the two-time defending champions gunning for their third straight title, a historic feat last accomplished by the 2000-02 Los Angeles Lakers led by Shaquille O\’Neal and Kobe Bryant.

The Blazers, meanwhile, only have themselves to blame for missing out on golden opportunities. Game 3\’s 18-point lead at home probably hurts the most. Realistically, Portland could have been on top of this series 2-1, or at the very least down just 1-2.

Instead, they head into Game 4 at the Moda Center on Monday (Tuesday morning in Manila) facing elimination. (RG)

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Leon Edwards settles doubt after denying Kamaru Usman again

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Leon Edwards settles doubt after denying Kamaru Usman again

It was not luck nor a fluke. Leon Edwards proved once again that he is better than Kamaru Usman after winning their rematch in the main event of UFC 286.

Edwards successfully defended the UFC welterweight belt he stole from Usman back in August with a majority decision victory in front of his home crowd at the O2 Arena in London, England.

He connected 120 significant strikes compared to only 87 from Usman while also limiting the latter’s takedown attempts.

“I knew it was a close fight and I knew he would come out [hard] in the last round. He was keeping good pressure on but not much was happening,” Edwards said after the fight.

Shortly after winning, UFC revealed that he will next make a title defense against Colby Covington in a to be determined date and venue

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Lonzo Ball to potentially miss second straight NBA season due to third knee surgery

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Lonzo Ball to potentially miss second straight NBA season due to third knee surgery

Lonzo Ball is on a tough road returning to the NBA after confirming another necessary surgery on his left knee.

The 25-year old Chicago guard has not played since January 14, 2022 due to his knee injury and now he will undergo a knife for the third time in the same knee.

He expressed frustration but clings on to a full recovery.

“My main focus has been on returning to the court and getting to a place where I can rejoin my teammates. This has been a frustrating process, but I’m confident these next steps are the best path forward,” he said in a statement.

This reminds many of Derrick Rose’s injury-ridden career with the Bulls. However, Ball, just like Rose, continues to persevere to overcome the setback.

“The support of my family, friends, fans and medical staff throughout my recovery is what keeps me moving forward. I can’t wait to get back to what I love doing most – playing basketball.”

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NBA further suspends Ja Morant for eight games after conducting own investigation

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NBA further suspends Ja Morant for eight games after conducting own investigation

While Ja Morant is continuously being away from the Memphis Grizzlies after his gun showing incident, the NBA has already decided on what his punishment will be.

Morant has been suspended for eight games without pay that will cost around $669,000 of his salary, this started when he stepped away from the game to reevaluate himself.

He has already served six games and will continue to be ineligible for the next two games. However, despite these suspensions, Morant’s return seemingly remains indefinite.

“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous. It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in the league’s statement.

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